Catch up on what you missed: Water, Wildlife and Forests at Ovando public meeting in April

On Tuesday, April 23, the Blackfoot Challenge hosted a multi-topic public meeting in the Ovando School Gym featuring a variety of updates related to water rights, water supply, fisheries, The Nature Conservancy’s forest lands, big game populations and shoulder seasons, and grizzly bear activity and listing status. Please see the following links for information presented that evening.

Jim Nave with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation discussed the process for filing exempt water rights. The open period for filing ends on June 30, 2019. Click here for more information.

Jennifer Schoonen, Blackfoot Challenge Water Steward, presented on the current water supply status in the Blackfoot watershed. Click here to view her presentation. You can also find the most up-to-date water supply information for the Blackfoot here.

Patrick Uthe, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks Blackfoot Fisheries Biologists, gave an update on the status of native fish recovery in the watershed. Click here to view his presentation.

Chris Bryant, Western Montana Land Protection Director for The Nature Conservancy, presented an update on stewardship and future ownership of the “Montana Forests” lands they own in the lower Blackfoot. Click here to view his presentation.

Scott Eggeman, Blackfoot Biologist with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, gave an update on big game populations, distribution, and the hunting shoulder season. See his presentation slides here.